Pinch Valve

A pinch valve is a type of full-bore, linear-motion valve that regulates flow by mechanically or pneumatically compressing a flexible elastomeric sleeve. It provides a straight-through, unobstructed flow path, making it ideal for handling abrasive, viscous, or corrosive slurries and powders while ensuring reliable tight shut-off performance.

Heavy-duty pinch valves are designed for long service life and are particularly suitable for shut-off and control applications involving abrasive or corrosive slurries, powders, or coarse solids. They provide bubble-tight shut-off even when solids have accumulated on the sleeve surface. When compressed, any crystallized particles tend to flake off the sleeve surface, helping maintain sealing performance. The full-bore design ensures unrestricted flow of the medium.

The construction and materials of the three main components—sleeve, body, and actuator—can be customized to suit specific process conditions.

The operating principle of the KOSEN pinch valve is simple and efficient. In the open position, the valve remains full bore with no flow restriction. During closing, two pinch bars compress the elastomeric sleeve toward the centerline, gradually shutting off the flow.

The sleeve is inherently wear-resistant. When abrasive particles impact the rubber surface, the energy is absorbed by the elastomer and released as it rebounds, reducing wear and extending service life.

The core component of KOSEN heavy-duty pinch valves is the elastic sleeve, which is the only part in direct contact with the process medium. The full-bore sleeve integrates seamlessly with the pipeline, eliminates turbulence, and minimizes pressure loss.

Technologically advanced sleeve designs ensure high wear and corrosion resistance, reliable operation, and extended service life. High-grade sleeve materials range from wear-resistant styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) to a variety of other elastomers and rubber compounds. These materials offer excellent resistance to abrasive and corrosive slurries, powders, and granular media.

• High Wear Resistance and Corrosion Resistance: The valve can withstand media with various acid concentrations, as well as alkaline and salt solutions of different strengths. It is suitable for transporting pulp, dry and wet powders, and crystalline materials.
• Full Bore Design: When the pinch valve is in the fully open position, its internal structure is completely aligned with the pipeline, ensuring no reduction in pipe diameter. This full-bore design does not disturb the flow profile of the medium and maintains smooth, unobstructed passage through the pipeline.
• Ability to Operate with Particles: Due to its self-cleaning elastic sleeve, the valve can effectively handle media containing solids. Any accumulated particles on the sleeve wall are dislodged during valve operation. The inherent flexibility of the sleeve contributes to a longer service life compared to many conventional valve types.
• Leak-Free Performance: The sleeve is equipped with rubber flanges at both ends, eliminating the need for additional sealing gaskets during pipeline installation. The valve flow channel is completely isolated from the external environment, ensuring zero internal and external leakage and effectively preventing running, dripping, or seepage issues.
• Low Maintenance Cost: Pinch valves do not contain seats, packing, sealing rings, or expansion joints that require regular replacement. The sleeve is the only wear component. Once replaced, the valve effectively returns to a like-new condition, significantly reducing maintenance requirements and operating costs.